Montgomery County board orders audit of K–8 student screen time, report due March 2027

The Montgomery County Board of Education voted unanimously on July 16 to require a comprehensive review of student screen time and digital tool use in elementary and middle schools, directing staff to deliver a report to the board by March 2027.

Board member Julie Yang, who introduced the amended resolution, said the goal is fact‑finding: "Good decisions begin with good data," and the resolution requires MCPS to quantify average daily and weekly screen time, distinguish instructional from non‑instructional use, assess content filters, and outline anticipated costs and operational impacts.

The measure passed after public comment from parents, teachers and students who urged the board to act. Grace Shao, a rising senior at Blair High School who runs free SAT workshops, offered to build a one‑page countywide resource for SAT prep and said improved online guidance would reduce inequities. Parent Betsy Tao told the board there is "no evidence that AI products are safe and effective for learning," and urged limits on device and AI use in classrooms. Advocacy group Schools Beyond Screens cited a teacher survey in which 93% of respondents said AI "has no place in the classroom" and 95% favored removing phones from class settings.

Superintendent Dr. Taylor told the board the resolution complements administrative work already underway. Staff said they will use a mixed approach that includes device usage logs from school‑issued devices, teacher and parent surveys, and targeted classroom observations. Dr. Taylor said the work would likely be completed within existing capacity and that the administration will return with a work plan and, if needed, requests for resources.

The resolution asks staff to include program‑specific caveats where appropriate and to recommend districtwide guidance for age‑appropriate screen time. Board members pressed staff on methods, seasonality of use (noting spring assessment periods skew device use), and realistic timelines; staff responded that the March 2027 deadline is feasible and that progress updates will be provided as the review proceeds.

The board concluded the item without dissent. Next steps include staff drafting a work plan for how data will be collected and reported to the board; public engagement and feedback were highlighted as part of implementation.